Dallas Reporter Ambushes Crime Victim and Accuses Him Of Being Trigger Happy

Recently, a local small business owner in Dallas was in the news after having shot three men and killing two in less than two weeks. In both separate incidents (one involving two men), James Walton was in his home (which is also his business - a machine shop in a rough part of town) when men broke into the place. Mr. Walton has called police over 40 times regarding previous burglaries and requesting assistance. You can read more about this incident at the THR thread here:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=309444

As a result of this incident, local Fox4 reporter Rebecca Aguilar did an "ambush interview" of this weeping elderly veteran outside of a local Academy Sports where she essentially accuses him of murder. Fox4 received so many complaints about the video link that they took it down; but you can still see it for yourself here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnZd-5dYXfk

An example of some of the questions she asked as she blocked this elderly man's car and ambushed him:

"Are you just a trigger happy guy that likes to kill?"
"Why did you kill these 2 people?"

If you find Ms. Aguilar's conduct as despicable as I did, I encourage you to write the local Fox4 affiliate and complain about this interview:
www.myfoxdfw.com/myfox/pages/InsideFox/ContactUs?pageId=5.11

Here is the Fox4 phone number if calling is more convenient for you:
214-720-3154

You may also wish to contact Fox News nationally and let them know what has happened:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,77538,00.html

Finally, I would also encourage you to contact any advertisers for Fox4.

Here is an AR15.com discussion of the effort to demand an on-air apology from Rebecca Aguilar.
http://ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=1&f=5&t=629207&page=1

So far the only commitment from Fox4 has been to air a special "Viewer's Voice" in response from the outpouring of anger over the interview.

If you enjoyed reading about "Dallas Reporter Ambushes Crime Victim and Accuses Him Of Being Trigger Happy" here in TheHighRoad.org archive, you'll LOVE our community. Come join TheHighRoad.org today for the full version!

fletcher

October 17, 2007, 02:48 PM

Unbelievable. Letter sent.

glockman19

October 17, 2007, 02:53 PM

Shame on her. The guy breaks NO laws defends himself and his property and get's characterized as trigger happy. She should be repremanded and made to write the Texas Castle Doctrine 100 times on the blackboard.

ClickClickD'oh

October 17, 2007, 02:57 PM

Disgusting.

Emails are flying now.

Bartholomew Roberts

October 17, 2007, 03:19 PM

Just discovered that Fox4 has a blog/discussion board with several threads on this interview:

Second Amendment: A Disgrace (http://community.myfoxdfw.com/blogs/laydownsally/2007/10/16/2nd_Amendment_A_Disgrace)
Support for Mr. Walton's Rights (http://community.myfoxdfw.com/blogs/outspoken1/2007/10/16/Support_for_Mr_Waltons_Rights)

If you have the time, you might want to drop a note there as well.

TexasRifleman

October 17, 2007, 03:19 PM

Yeah, sent some email. That's disgusting.

Typical reporter trash "Are you trigger happy? I am just asking because our viewers want to know. I'm just trying to give you a chance to tell your side"

Yeah right......

HGUNHNTR

October 17, 2007, 03:44 PM

Email sent, keep them coming!

cavman

October 17, 2007, 03:45 PM

News sensationalist Rebecca Aguilar demonstrated in only a few short questions, her lack of insight, training, and education. What she did reveal, however, during her 'ambush interview' of Mr. Walton, was the pettiness that is all to often being exposed in today's front line 'reporters'.

Fox4 has not represented themselves well with her hiring.

mpmarty

October 17, 2007, 03:54 PM

this is what I sent:

Why on earth did your reporter “local Fox4 reporter Rebecca Aguilar did an "ambush interview" of this weeping elderly veteran”
in Texas assault this old man and accuse him, publicly of being no more than a homicidal maniac for shooting attackers who were breaking into his home?

What possible excuse can you have for keeping such vermin employed?

(signature).

News Shooter

October 17, 2007, 04:09 PM

I would be a little less harsh in your description of the reporter if your comments are to be taken seriously. They will easily blow off the criticism as being a bunch of gun nuts.

I was in TV news in Dallas for a number of years and know this woman and the station, although I didn't work there

She was way out of line, but the real criticism should be directed at the News Director and producer who allowed that crap to go on the air in the first place.

They are in their positions because they are supposed to know better. I wouldn't be surprised knowing the market that they got plenty of angry responses when it first aired

mpmarty

October 17, 2007, 04:32 PM

Hey FOX Fan,

As you can imagine, we receive thousands of messages a day from our viewers, and while we appreciate you taking the time to provide feedback, we cannot respond to every question or comment directly.

Please know that your e-mails are read and your comments are taken into consideration and thank you for watching FNC!

Thank you,
FOX News Viewer Services

Bartholomew Roberts

October 17, 2007, 04:58 PM

News Shooter, thanks for the input. As someone more familiar with the process, could you suggest any other ways we might be more effective in communicating our message to this local station?

Personally, I would like to see Ms. Aguilar, or somebody at Fox4, apologize to Mr. Walton for this lapse in judgment. I would also like to make sure that Fox4 gets the message that blaming the victim in a defensive shooting is just as reprehensible as blaming the victim of a rape for "asking for it."

WESTTX357

October 17, 2007, 05:06 PM

I am usually not the type to write letters of complaint but this one ot to me and fired off an e-mail. guess the rporter thinks the guy should just leave his business open and let the thugs steal away his lively hood.
I hink the Dallas PD missed an oppurtnity to make a loud staement here the FOP or other police group should have gotten together and presented him with a gift certificate to purchase a new shtgun to replace he 2 in evidence and as son as he is no billed by the grand jury they sould waste no time in returning the guns to him

TexasRifleman

October 17, 2007, 05:14 PM

I hink the Dallas PD missed an oppurtnity

It pains me to say it but there is little of Texas in the Dallas PD.

They probably want the guy to disappear. This is bad for business you see.
You think plumbers like stories about people that fix their own leaky faucets?

Disclaimer: this is not cop bashing, this is Dallas politics bashing and oh man do they have problems in that place.....they left Texas a long time ago.

springmom

October 17, 2007, 05:21 PM

Done. That woman deserves to be fired, period. That was a shameful way to treat an old man. That wasn't news, that was a mugging.

Springmom

alsaqr

October 17, 2007, 05:55 PM

i just called Fox 4. Not surpisingly, Aguilar's voice mail box is full. I got onto another voice mail where they play the call ins on Fridays and left my message. This woman makes me puke.

Owens

October 17, 2007, 06:11 PM

Yep... another reporter with a mission and agenda to push.
Irresponsible, reprehensible and despicable. All other descriptive adjectives omitted for not being high road.

BTW...e-mail sent

alsaqr

October 17, 2007, 06:13 PM

i'm going to call the corporate offices of Fox News tomorrow morning.

SoCalShooter

October 17, 2007, 06:18 PM

Email sent. Bart that link to the blog really sent me through the roof.

We did some good. Now maybe they will suspend the panjandrum who allowed that piece of trash to be put it on the air.

lanternlad1

October 17, 2007, 07:41 PM

As an interesting side note, one of the relatives of one of BGs who died responded to a blog here (she's listed as Victim's Sister of all things):

http://www.topix.com/forum/city/ferris-tx/TRL7CFFCDO95SOJ91

yesit'sloaded

October 17, 2007, 08:11 PM

Done. I hope they fire her.

Jim K

October 17, 2007, 08:57 PM

Why the surprise? A reporter once admitted to me that he would commit mass murder himself if he didn't get caught and it would get him a story. He said that only killing and more killing would finally "sicken the public" enough to end "the proliferation of the evil gun" or words to that effect. They want mental tests to own a gun, but we really need mental tests for reporters; some are seriously weird.

Jim

Bartholomew Roberts

October 17, 2007, 09:10 PM

Personally, I would much rather see Ms. Aguilar understand and acknowledge why what she did was unfair and wrong rather than see her lose her job. Somebody who is made to appreciate the difficult position that Mr. Walton found himself in would be an ally.

I also think this report from the Dallas Observer link is particularly on target:

The worst thing I see here (as someone already mentioned) is that Rebecca is suspended after the fact. The story went on the air. Where were the managers who approve scripts? Was anyone else disciplined? I thought that news directors were supposed to stand behind their reporters. Viewers didn't like this story and rightly so, but Rebecca shouldn't have been thrown to the wolves, at least not alone.

torpid

October 17, 2007, 09:16 PM

Personally, I would much rather see Ms. Aguilar understand and acknowledge why what she did was unfair and wrong rather than see her lose her job.

I would too.

I'd also like to see shall issue CCW in California.

Since either is unlikely, I'm ok with her losing her job.

Viewers didn't like this story and rightly so, but Rebecca shouldn't have been thrown to the wolves, at least not alone.

That's the main point.

fletcher

October 17, 2007, 09:17 PM

Personally, I would much rather see Ms. Aguilar understand and acknowledge why what she did was unfair and wrong rather than see her lose her job.
+1. I would like the same. Although more people may be responsible in a business sense, she alone is responsible for her actions against Mr. Walton.

Double Naught Spy

October 17, 2007, 09:30 PM

The post by Victim's sister on the blog was pitiful. I understand her sentiment, but the burden of safety when it comes to things like crime really falls on the hands of the bad guy who is doing wrong, not on the intended victim of the crime. The dead man is not a victim. He initiated the intrusion. It is just too bad that he didn't fully consider that such an endeavor is a dangerous and potentially life threatening event.

To be honest, my guess is that he knew the place had been robbed previously and that Mr. Walton's gun was taken after the first robbery. He probably also figured that Mr. Walton would have dropped his guard as a result. So, he thought he had an easy mark.

Snarlingiron

October 17, 2007, 10:28 PM

Sad, very sad. Sad commentary on news reporting in general. Sad commentary on the organization that Ms. Aguilar belongs to. There is something very wrong there, and not just with the reporter as others have pointed out. Emails going out.

rollback88

October 17, 2007, 11:14 PM

Incredible - this is why I changed majors from journalism in '89. This is the kind of crap that was been taught.

email sent.

--jcd

Bartholomew Roberts

October 17, 2007, 11:20 PM

Clearly Fox4 is listening to the complaints if they just indefinitely suspended one of their reporters days after she won a major award. Maybe it is time for some of us to shift to "good cop" now and see if we can gain an opportunity to educate Fox4.

Kindrox

October 17, 2007, 11:33 PM

I doubt reporters are seen as a high value commodity, probably just workers that can be cut should they outlive their usefullness. The news director who approved her segment for airing is the one who really needs to be cut loose.

If Fox wants me to go away happy, this person is fired and a public appoligy is aired.

roo_ster

October 17, 2007, 11:41 PM

I sent off something similar to the following to KDFW and Fox News:
Subject: Rebecca Aguilar Interview of James Walton

I just saw the video of KDFW Fox4 reporter Rebecca Aguilar posted on youtube.com:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnZd-5dYXfk

In my opinon, Aguilar, KDFW management, and Fox News all owe James Walton a lavish apology.

The way she berated a septugenarian veteran and brought him to tears was outrageous. If Fox has any shame at all, Aguilar will also be handed her walking papers.

I will not view KDFW until her apology and will contact both KDFW's and Fox News's advertisers to see if they think such behavior is something they want to be associated with.

FOr more background on how Mr. Walton defended himself from multiple burglars, follow the links:

What I find interesting is that the Fox news channels have received the highest ratings for both local and national news in most areas while posing as the alternative to the liberal media that has existed since the 60s. Yet, Fox has been going out of it's way lately to mirror CNN, with it's "diverse viewpoints" and numerous fluff pieces. The news media today has become the MTV for adults. All flash, no substance. It's all show business and very little actual news. Every cable news network has become the Today show, 24/7.

When you consider that the "owner" of Fox, Rupert Murdoch, has contributed money to Hillary's campaign, it can be assumed that a liberal agenda has infected the "conservative" Fox network.

plexreticle

October 18, 2007, 05:58 AM

You are spot on with your observations CoinMan.

I can't turn on the TV anymore without feeling my intelligence is being insulted/assaulted. I don't even bother anymore.

seeker_two

October 18, 2007, 06:25 AM

Rebecca Aguilar has been dealt with...but the news director that approved the story still needs to be held accountable for allowing the story to air. Let's keep up the pressure. Fox4 also has a call in line, "Tell It To Tim"....so let's tell him, too!

Also, Mr. Walton's two shotguns are still in DPD custody. He had to get a new one, but that's just one. Maybe we should start a collection to help him get a couple more, just in case....

gunsmith

October 18, 2007, 07:04 AM

It (she who calls herself a reporter) is horribly cruel.
Can she be lawfully penalized if it can be proven
that her revealing him on camera leads to him being attacked?
She does not know how truly disgusting her actions were because
she has never been a victim herself.

alsaqr

October 18, 2007, 07:29 AM

"wrong rather than see her lose her job."

Personally, i'm happy to see her lose her job. She had absolutely no right to pull the crap that she did.

30 cal slob

October 18, 2007, 07:36 AM

e-messages sent.

while i am late to the controversy...does anyone have a list of local advertisers who patronize Fox4?

Hey Richard -
Hi, and thanks for the email. I am the guy who has to go through the Viewer's Voice email every week. This week you can imagine it's a pretty big job. I decided I wanted to at least personally acknowledge your email, and
say I didn't like the tone or approach either.
I hear you!

As a Professional news photographer with 27 years experience, and for the last 10 a chief photographer, I would have stopped rolling tape and shut her down.
Most people don't know it but photographers are the ones who are in control and hers didn't do his job. I would have suspended him.
Next, the most effective things to do is get the News Directors e-mail and fill his inbox, call the news desk and complain and also e-mail the news desk. Most will have a news only e-mail such as news@kdfwfox4.com.
Be rational and it'll get read. Let them have it!

Double Naught Spy

October 18, 2007, 08:47 AM

It (she who calls herself a reporter) is horribly cruel.
Can she be lawfully penalized if it can be proven
that her revealing him on camera leads to him being attacked?

No gunsmith, she cannot be lawfully penalized if it can be proven that revealing him on camera leads to him being attacked. Where in the world would you get the idea that if a reporter identifies a person (who has been identified on TV twice already, BTW [maybe more as the incident was covered by several stations]) in public who is later attacked would somehow be responsible for the attack? How would identifying Walton lead to the attack? Just what law do you think is being broken? How would she be accountable?

How would you even prove that her interview is what would lead to Walton getting attacked. You don't think people could find the based on all the other interviews, the name of his business, street, block number, etc. being given out over the air waves and internet would contribute, do you?

If you watch the interview, he seemed okay with the cameras initially, until he didn't like the questioning.

What the reporter did was despicable, but not illegal.

30 cal slob

October 18, 2007, 08:49 AM

Station's news director is

Maria Barrs

Maria.Barrs@foxtv.com might be an e-mail addy that works.

Kindrox

October 18, 2007, 09:50 AM

I have another thread for listing the FOX 4 advertizers but with a full time job and a business on the side I need help getting them listed.

I watched Ms. Aguilar’s ambush interview of Mr. Walton and I found it to be beyond outrageous. Is this what you are willing to do for ratings? Are you now going to ambush interview rape victims and demand to know what they did to bring it on themselves? Or if they feel responsible? Or what they will do if attacked again?

I won’t stand for it. I am busy posting your advertiser list with contact information to local and national internet forums. I and many others will start contacting them letting them know we won’t patronize their businesses until you do three things:

The fact that you have not already done all three make it obvious to me you don’t really take what you did seriously. I live in Richardson and today I am going to let the following advertisers know to not expect my business as long as they advertise with you:

The local radio talk hosts are coming down on her pretty hard, too. I'll be suprised if she finds work in the DFW market in the near future.... :cool:

News Shooter

October 18, 2007, 11:33 AM

OK, you got your pound of flesh. She's an idiot and will probably get fired. Now what?

What's your strategy going forward besides name-calling and threats?

How are we going to involve ourselves in the big picture discussion after the Dallas Morning News and Ft. Worth Star Telegram print stories tomorrow morning about how gun-nut whack-jobs from around the world descended on the station and its advertisers?

We've silenced one reporter and perhaps one station. Where do we go next?

I know everyone means well, I was as outraged as anyone at what she did. But internet sieges like this can be counterproductive. I've been as guilty as anyone and have probably started a few of these myself, but I am re-evaluating this whole thing as of now.

ClickClickD'oh

October 18, 2007, 11:37 AM

How are we going to involve ourselves in the big picture discussion after the Dallas Morning News and Ft. Worth Star Telegram print stories tomorrow morning about how gun-nut whack-jobs from around the world descended on the station and its advertisers?
I'd expect as much from the Dallas Morning News, not the Star Telegram. The Morning News is a worthless rag who considers anyone that owns a firearm to be a gun-nut whack-job. The Star Telegram is an actual newspaper that is still in touch with the residents of the D/FW Metroplex. Get this, they even actually have a hunting section.

frankcostanza

October 18, 2007, 12:04 PM

this makes me sick. email sent. it appears however, that she has been "suspended indefinately".

seeker_two

October 18, 2007, 12:04 PM

We've silenced one reporter and perhaps one station. Where do we go next?

The news director who let this obscenity on air, of course...

Things like this do work in markets like DFW, esp. when the sponsors believe that they are losing business because of it. The 11th Commandment of broadcasting is "Thou Shalt Not Offend The Advertisers Who Payeth The Bills." Just ask Dan Rather how important THAT commandment relates to a reporter's career.... ;)

Hawk

October 18, 2007, 12:22 PM

OK, you got your pound of flesh. She's an idiot and will probably get fired. Now what?

What's your strategy going forward besides name-calling and threats?

How are we going to involve ourselves in the big picture discussion after the Dallas Morning News and Ft. Worth Star Telegram print stories tomorrow morning about how gun-nut whack-jobs from around the world descended on the station and its advertisers?

We've silenced one reporter and perhaps one station. Where do we go next?

I know everyone means well, I was as outraged as anyone at what she did. But internet sieges like this can be counterproductive. I've been as guilty as anyone and have probably started a few of these myself, but I am re-evaluating this whole thing as of now.

You might be assuming too much with respect to the emails some of us sent.

My main point to them was that one's mistakes in the "information age" have taken on some aspects of immortality (included the youtube link). Good luck with damage control and an opinion that the reporter may have gone well past any reasonable definition of "journalism" or even "advocacy journalism" and that an apology would be in order.

If they can derive anything other than "pro-vet / pro-responsible journalism" from that it would take epic class conclusion jumping to do so. It was neither neccessary nor desirable to inject "gun" into the communication. They don't care about that sort of stuff - they probably do care if one of their reporters is making them look like a supermarket tabloid.

And by referencing youtube, commenting a day or two late is simply attributable to seeing it on youtube rather than reading it on a gun board.

It would appear you're making assumptions about how "we" comport ourselves in public in much the same manner that "they" are presumed to. There's probably irony in there somewhere.

Kindrox

October 18, 2007, 12:47 PM

OK, you got your pound of flesh. She's an idiot and will probably get fired. Now what?

This is not about getting a pound of flesh. God forbid I or my wife have to defend ourselfs with a gun. The last thing I want is to be followed around with news cameras, and ambushed in a parking lot.

What happended is WAY beyond what is acceptable. The woman's advocatcy groups would make sure there is NO way they would get away with it on a rape victim (as they should), and we better make sure they don't get away with it on crime victims who refuse to be victims.

And to me this not about getting the reporter fired so much as getting the Fox 4 management to take the issue seriously. Simply suspending a reporter is not taking the issue seriously.

You better belive the news industry in Texas is watching to see if the populace will end up rolling over on this, or stand up and say no.

I am standing up and saying no.

Bartholomew Roberts

October 18, 2007, 12:58 PM

Personally, i'm happy to see her lose her job. She had absolutely no right to pull the crap that she did.

I agree that she had no right to pull the crap she did; but here is the problem with losing her job. She isn't going to disappear from the news profession. She is just going to go somewhere else and there are lots of places where being run out of town by "gun nuts" is a badge of honor. So we haven't eliminated out problem, we've just sent it somewhere else and arguably made it worse.

On the other hand, when your job is on the line, everybody gets that unpleasant sinking feeling and a lifeline from an unexpected place can seem like a great comfort. I know I certainly remember well all of the people who threw me a line when I was in trouble throughout my life. It gives us a great opportunity to speak to a more sympathetic ear.

Finally, while I think that the people who approved of the story are as culpable as Ms. Aguilar, there comes a point where the news directors at Fox4 are going to think "Wow, nothing we do is going to satisfy these whack jobs." When people make your life miserable and you try to appease them and they still make your life miserable, does that inspire you to want to help them more?

We've made the point that we aren't the right group to screw around with. They aren't likely to directly challenge victims of crime who defend themselves anytime soon. Now is the time to show that we make even better allies; because there are still lots of subtle, indirect ways they can take jabs at us if they come out of this bitter and angry at "gun nuts."

OH, I am late on this one. Looks like she was suspended yesterday. My bad.

Justin

October 18, 2007, 02:28 PM

Did your post disappear?

Could it be because the content of it was completely unhelpful to the discussion at hand, and contained not one hint of actually speaking up in an activist role?

Hmmm...

db_tanker

October 18, 2007, 02:36 PM

regardless if she has already been sacked, I sent my email in...

K3

October 18, 2007, 03:16 PM

OK, you got your pound of flesh. She's an idiot and will probably get fired. Now what?

What's your strategy going forward besides name-calling and threats?

How are we going to involve ourselves in the big picture discussion after the Dallas Morning News and Ft. Worth Star Telegram print stories tomorrow morning about how gun-nut whack-jobs from around the world descended on the station and its advertisers?

We've silenced one reporter and perhaps one station. Where do we go next?

I know everyone means well, I was as outraged as anyone at what she did. But internet sieges like this can be counterproductive. I've been as guilty as anyone and have probably started a few of these myself, but I am re-evaluating this whole thing as of now.

What we do is reinforce the schwerpunkt. EVERY time a newsie gets it wrong, acts like this, vilifies gun owners, etc, a torrent of emails, calls, and letters should follow. Worried about how this makes gunnies look? Don't. As long as letters are coherent, correct, and reasonably civil, flood the enemy with paper.

This is but a small victory in a much larger campaign. It's not the time to sit back and reflect and give them a chance to regroup. When you win the field, you then pursue.

Does anybody doubt that the Brady Bunch or George Soros' many fronts wouldn't do exactly as I have suggested?

So, I guess I disagree with Bartholomew Roberts. The nice guy approach hasn't worked too well for gun owners. It stinks of appeasement. The fight for RKBA is now, not in the future. There is no preseason. The weapons are emails, letters, and phone calls. To senators, representatives, news outlets, everybody that strays from the straight and narrow line of freedom spelled out in the Declaration of Independence and Constitution.

Double Naught Spy

October 18, 2007, 03:22 PM

Bartholomew mentioned Aguilar's recent big award. Here it is. The bold face is what I have added to mark the ironic aspect of the award relative to the ambush interview...

KDFW Dallas' Rebecca Aguilar Hispanic Journalists award
TVNEWSDAY, Sep. 7, 3:09 PM ET
By Staff
Fox O&O KDFW Dallas reporter Rebecca Aguilar has been chosen by the National Association of Hispanic Journalists to receive one of the group’s 2007 ñ Broadcast Journalist of the Year awards.

Aguilar was cited for her “sound and consistent reporting that gives voices to people who usually don’t have voices on the air,” adding that her work showed she was “capable of separating yourself from the stories while maintaining integrity and credibility” brought together with strong writing, good delivery and good use of sound bites and natural sound.”
The awards will be presented on Thursday, Oct. 4, at NAHJ’s 22nd annual Noche de Triunfos Journalism Awards Gala in Washington.

This article can be found online at: http://www.tvnewsday.com/articles/2007/09/07/daily.5/.
Please visit http://www.tvnewsday.com/ for more on this and other breaking news concerning the TV broadcasting industry.

Nix

October 18, 2007, 03:46 PM

lol... maybe we should be contacting those who give out the award and making them aware of the type of journalist they are giving the award to?

News Shooter

October 18, 2007, 03:54 PM

Trust me, they are going to circle the wagons around her. She is going to become a media martyr

Owens

October 18, 2007, 04:24 PM

I know I might attract some heat on this but, In reference to Bartholomew Roberts' post above (#61), is there a THR member in the Dallas area that would be willing to offer services as a technical consultant to the TV station? At least they may be able to get stories straight that way. We've all heard reports before that just don't make sense because they have the facts messed up. IF a reporting agency WANTS to report correctly they would be more than willing to accept an offer.

It would take someone who is obviously well versed in firearms, but also someone who is gifted in diplomatic arts.

This could help turn an enemy into an ali. Just a thought.

TexasRifleman

October 18, 2007, 04:38 PM

is there a THR member in the Dallas area that would be willing to offer services as a technical consultant to the TV station?

Won't happen in Dallas. If they want an "expert" they will call the Police.

Ft Worth maybe, but not Dallas. Dallas is not really part of Texas you know :)

Bartholomew Roberts

October 18, 2007, 05:12 PM

So, I guess I disagree with Bartholomew Roberts. The nice guy approach hasn't worked too well for gun owners.

The nice guy approach is a practical necessity here unless we have the power to make Fox4 go off the air completely and stop anybody who works there from working in media again.

These people are going to be in a position to effect public opinion about firearms. They have already acknowledged that they are hearing us by suspending Aguilar - so what do we have to lose by extending an olive branch or inviting them to learn more about the subject?

Some have suggested that they won't change their ways regardless of what we do. To them I would reiterate my earlier point - these people will continue to be in media whether we get them fired or not. We can offer the olive branch because if they smack it out of our hands we are no worse off than we will be anyway. Fox4 is saying they heard us. Now is the time to start suggesting ways they can improve in the future instead of demanding more blood.

K3

October 18, 2007, 05:18 PM

Bartholomew Roberts (Is Bart OK?)

Depends on the olive branch I s'pose. I'd like to take Aguilar to the range and let her try out various firearms and see that they are nothing but mechanical contraptions that can be practical and a heckuva lot of fun. That's all I can see doing olive branch wise. The antis purposely ignore the principles this nation was founded on. Limited government. Refreshing the tree of liberty. All those types of things that are now the butt of jokes at a Brady gathering.

My attitude on this is admittedly defeatist. I've reached a point where I believe that all we can do is slow the bleeding and that the writing on the wall is clear. Some say 'Look at all the CCW laws'! I say, yeah, look at the list of names they have now. A much better one than 4473s even.

I wish I was alive in the day where I could order a rifle from the MonkeyWard catalogue and have it dropped off at my house.

Bartholomew Roberts

October 18, 2007, 05:36 PM

Bartholomew Roberts (Is Bart OK?)

It's a pseudonym, so anything that works for you (BR, Bart, Hey Chucklehead) is fine.

I'd like to take Aguilar to the range and let her try out various firearms and see that they are nothing but mechanical contraptions that can be practical and a heckuva lot of fun. That's all I can see doing olive branch wise.

Yeah, I wasn't suggesting we buy her dinner or anything. My point is that I bet that there are at least several people at Fox4 who are sweating their jobs right now who would be willing to hear us out and maybe learn a little bit more about firearms. Not only that; but they would likely consider it a favor from us.

However, I don't know that there is much that can be done to stop the freight train at this point if it is being picked up by Captain's Quarters, Instapundit, Michelle Malkin, etc. There is likely going to be blood on the floor whether I personally think that is a good idea or not.

PILMAN

October 18, 2007, 07:51 PM

Videos been removed due to copyright :(

Fburgtx

October 18, 2007, 08:13 PM

E-mails sent. As for those of you advocating the "nice guy" approach, I agree there is no reason for obscene name-calling, etc. However, I don't think a big group hug with the anti's/news station is going to cure anything, either.

Most estimates would show the homosexual population of this country to be no more than 10%. Gun ownership (based on household %) is probably close to 50% or higher. When negative things are said in the media about homosexuals, they make sure to respond and they are NOT nice about it. They have been VERY effective in gaining rights/respect for thmselves. Only 10% and the stations/newspapers/advertisers run for cover. Why shouldn't they when we're talking about numbers close to 50%??? I'm not saying we should be rude, but we SHOULD make it a point to be LOUD (and persistant).

Kindrox

October 18, 2007, 09:16 PM

I want what any other group who is taken half way seriously gets. To this end, I have written my letter and am now ready to mail, email and fax it to anyone that advertizes on Fox 4:

Dear Sir or Madam,

Hello. I am writing this letter because you advertise on Fox 4 here in Dallas. Normally I would commend you on that decision.

Recently, however, FOX has decided to gain viewers by victimizing a man named James Walton. Mr. Walton is a 70 year old man and veteran here in Dallas. He lives above his business, and, unfortunately, two men attempted to rob him in separate incidents three weeks apart. Mr. Walton dealt with each of them using his shotgun.

A reporter for FOX 4 “ambushed” him in a parking lot, and blamed him for being robbed, and accused him of being trigger happy. You can see the segment in question at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnZd-5dYXfk

I consider this interview, and its subsequent airing, as absolutely shocking and disgusting. And quite frankly, unbelievable in Texas.

My wife and I are responsible gun and business owners, owning and operating XYZ in ABC. God forbid we are forced to defend ourselves and business, the last thing I would want is a reporter putting us on TV as the real villains, not the robbers.

We would never stand for a television station skewering a rape victim and we should not stand for FOX 4 skewering Mr. Walton. Currently all they have done is suspend the actual reporter. They have not fired the news director responsible for putting the ambush interview on the air, nor have they apologized to Mr. Walton. Again, we would not stand for such white washing if this was done to a rape victim.

Unfortunately, it seems only the people paying to keep FOX 4 on the air, its advertisers, are going to have the clout necessary to make them understand what they have done.

Normally I have no beef with your business. However unless FOX 4 fires the news director responsible, and publicly apologizes to Mr. Walton, or you stop advertising with them, I going to make a point of not buying from you or anyone else I see advertise with them.

I hope their actions equally shock you, and you voluntarily act independent of public pressure.

Sincerely,

Kindrox

Stephen A. Camp

October 18, 2007, 09:21 PM

Hello. I am not sure but I think that Ms. Barrs approves/disapproves what goes on the air.

I sent her this email today:

"Ms. Barrs,

The disgusting ambush of crime victim, Mr. James Walton, sickened my whole household. It would appear that many others feel the same way since public furor seems to have resulted in Ms. Aguilar being indefinitely suspended.

The biased “report” should never have been aired. Mr. Aguilar’s judgmental “trigger happy” comment was way out of line. If I understand correctly, Mr. Walton was in his own business (where he also lives) and the man shot was attempting a burglary. (If one is concerned about being shot, perhaps that person shouldn’t burglarize?)

Who allowed this to be shown and are they trying to push their own agenda rather than unbiased reporting of a news event? Does this fall under your responsibilities as news director?

This was simply wrong .

Beyond disgusting is the only way that I can describe it and my disdain for Aguilar’s “reporting” and KDFW allowing it to be aired has caused me to go elsewhere for news as well as contacting Fox4News’ sponsors explaining why I will not use their products or visit their businesses.

If I want personal opinions, I read editorials.

Sincerely,
Stephen A. Camp"

As of this time, no reply.

For those interested in contacting her:

Maria.Barrs@foxtv.com

Best.

tydephan

October 18, 2007, 09:35 PM

Wow...they have retracted their video everywhere that I can find. They obviously filed a copyright violation claim with youtube. They had already previously removed it on their site before yesterday.

They have their damage control helmets strapped tight.

Good letter, Stephen.

ETA:

Well...imagine that...it did crop up on another site:
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=088_1192711925

Walter

October 18, 2007, 10:26 PM

Thanks for that link, it worked for me. What a hatchet job that lady did!

It's amazing to me that Fox4 would air that video in a market of 3
million people, and the next day claim copyright laws to get it removed from
the web.

They'll be getting an E-mail from me.

Walter

Sylvilagus Aquaticus

October 19, 2007, 01:08 AM

Yes, an excellent letter, Mr. Camp.

Regards,
Rabbit.

Robert Hairless

October 19, 2007, 02:13 AM

Bartholomew Roberts and News Shooter aren't advocating a group hug or any such thing. What they are advocating is an approach that has the potential for helping. It's the "carrot" part of the "carrot and the stick." If all you use is a stick even a jackass will refuse to budge after a while. You can't threaten people badly enough to make them your friends. Without friends all you will have are enemies.

Try thinking creatively about how to use this (and other situations) to make friends or at least to pry some minds open a little. There's no guarantee that anything you do will work but what is guaranteed is that we will lose unless we start making friends.

Somebody suggested that knowledgeable people offer themselves to the media as free fact checkers in specific fields. I'd add that in addition to being knowledgeable they must be reasonable and temperate. Hotheads and true believers will increase, rather than decrease, the harm. What we want is fairness, accuracy, and perspective. Responsible media people should want the same. Look for common ground instead of seeing nothing but barricades.

My suggestion is that instead of attacking the reporter to her employers we appeal to their sense of humanity and common decency.

Make the issue one in which they need greater sensitivity to the plight of this seventy year old man. This man lives poorly--in a junkyard--and struggles to earn a living. But predators have identified him as an easy target and they steal the best of what he can sell. (They wouldn't steal the worst.) It's sad when an award winning reporter who is praised for "sound and consistent reporting that gives voices to people who usually don’t have voices on the air,” attacks one of those "people who usually don't have voices on the air" for defending against the people who prey on him and others like him. Defenseless people need the media to speak for their right to defend against predators. The media shouldn't be defending the predators or attempting to gain sympathy for them.

Urge that station to reconsider its thinking and begin to given more sympathetic treatment to victims who try to protect themselves. Surely the station and its reporters would not be hostile to women who were raped and sympathetic to their rapists. Shouldn't they at least be open to the possibility that an elderly man deserves sympathy for having been repeatedly victimized and being put in the position where he has needed to protect himself and his property.

He didn't go looking for people to shoot. They were looking for a victim to exploit. When he has to defend twice, it's not a sign that he is "trigger happy." It's a sure and certain sign that he has been victimized repeatedly. We wouldn't blame a woman who has been raped twice. Why blame a man who has had to defend his property twice?

Prince Yamato

October 19, 2007, 02:36 AM

I think many of you have a very good point.

The TV stations get it. They're probably going, "well, what do we do now?"

The answer from us should be, "accurate reporting". Report about the good aspects of gun ownership. Someone offer to take them shooting.

But a word of advice should ANY of you be our "ambassador" on TV: Dress nicely, no camo, no bubba talk, no political or religious endorsements.

Folks, we're winning the 2A fight in a HUGE way. Just remember, we need to stick to our guns. :)

Nix

October 19, 2007, 03:15 AM

But a word of advice should ANY of you be our "ambassador" on TV: Dress nicely, no camo, no bubba talk, no political or religious endorsements.
lol so we have to import someone from outside of texas to educate them?

IM KIDDING PEOPLE PLEASE DO NOT HURT ME

M_Olson

October 19, 2007, 03:18 AM

fyi, for future instances like these where a video is put on youtube and there is a chance it will be taken down for "damage control", you can use http://downloadyoutubevideos.com/ to make sure the "proof" doesnt disappear. i believe the video format is .flv, which can be converted for free to the desired format using www.media-convert.com

JasonblkZ06

October 19, 2007, 05:17 AM

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=088_1192711925

Save it while you can.

Working Man

October 19, 2007, 07:07 AM

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=088_1192711925

Save it while you can.

"Media item not found!"

Any other links?

trueblue1776

October 19, 2007, 07:19 AM

Nix- good form :D

Mannix

October 19, 2007, 07:22 AM

lol so we have to import someone from outside of the south to educate them?

IM KIDDING PEOPLE PLEASE DO NOT HURT ME

There, I fixed it fer ya :evil:.

Seriously though, what kind of person does this type of crap, watching that video made me sick. :barf:

Omaha-BeenGlockin

October 19, 2007, 07:29 AM

How can they claim copyright when they posted it ---for free---on the PUBLICLY OWNED airways???????

Double Naught Spy

October 19, 2007, 09:11 AM

How can they claim copyright? They posted it on their own web site where the material is copyrighted. They control the content. It is that simple. Nobody else has their permission to distribute it.

tydephan

October 19, 2007, 09:19 AM

"Media item not found!"

Any other links?

The LiveLeak link is still functional. Be sure to use this reference instead of the youtube if you are referencing the video in any form of correspondence.

Kimber1911_06238

October 19, 2007, 09:21 AM

rediculous, if he was trigger happy, the reporter would have been shot too...

News Shooter

October 19, 2007, 09:25 AM

If I can find his address I'm going to send him $5 to help pay for his new Remmie:D

Dravur

October 19, 2007, 09:51 AM

If you can find his address, Im in for $10

The Police took the guy's gun, I'm down for helping him pay off the new one.

Found the Address...

Able Walton Machine & Welding
2007 Chalk Hill Rd
Dallas, TX 75212

Im sending a check today.

xjchief

October 19, 2007, 11:17 AM

That was terrible. :mad:

Working Man

October 19, 2007, 11:56 AM

tydephan, thats so odd.
This morning when I tried is when I got that message.

The Police took the guy's gun, I'm down for helping him pay off the new one.

Found the Address...

Able Walton Machine & Welding
2007 Chalk Hill Rd
Dallas, TX 75212

Im sending a check today.

Excellent idea!

I just returned from the post office. Mailed "James" a letter of support and a $10.00 check.

Started a thread asking others to do the same at: http://www.texasshooting.com/TexasCHL_Forum/index.php

This man needs to know we support him.

Bartholomew Roberts

October 19, 2007, 01:38 PM

The Police took the guy's gun, I'm down for helping him pay off the new one

Actually the police have two of his shotguns in evidence now... that is what Mr. Walton was doing when Rebecca Aguilar ambushed him - buying a third shotgun just in case someone decides that the coast might be clear now.

JasonblkZ06

October 19, 2007, 03:38 PM

The "report" by Rebecca Aguilar on James Walton and the break-ins into his home was the most disgusting, reprehensible newscasting I have seen in my life.

This man is protecting himself in a horrible part of Dallas, and you have the nerve to harass and berate him??!!

Where are the reports and heat against the Dallas Police? The City of Dallas? Why is this man suffering from so much crime? Why are his countless pleas and calls to Dallas PD going without response or increased patrol? THAT is the news, THAT is the issue!

Shame on you! Shame on Fox 4! Shame on Ms. Aguilar. Shame on the producers.

I demand the termination of Ms. Aguilar. I demand the termination of the producer or producers that allowed this filth to be aired. I demand the termination of the management employee(s) who assigned this report to her. I demand an on-the-air apology to Mr. Walton and the people of DFW.

I am contacting the Fox nationally to complain as well.

Until this is done:

I am contacting your advertisers to advise them that I will not be purchasing any of their products while they continue to advertise with Fox 4. I will not watch your station or support you in any way.

Sincerely,
Jason King

Bartholomew Roberts

October 19, 2007, 04:14 PM

Got this message back in response to my email:

Thanks for taking the time to send us the email. I am the guy who has to/getsto, go through the Viewer's Voice email every week. This week you can imagine it's a pretty big job.I decided I wanted to at least personally acknowledge your email, and say I didn't like the tone or approach either. I hear you! Thanks again, Steve Eagar Fox 4 News

Received the response about two days after the email was sent, so I am guessing they are pretty buried right now. Tonight at 5:30 should be the Viewer's Voice that deals with this incident and the response to it. I am interested to see what they do.

This morning they normally have the "Tell It To Tim" segment that is similar; but apparently Tim decided to take a vacation after answering the first wave of angry callers who decided to tell it to him and his segment is on hiatus until next week. Wonder if they will do the same with Viewer's Voice?

M_Olson

October 19, 2007, 05:07 PM

Mr. Roberts, do you have the text of your email? I searched through the thread here and wasnt able to find it. The person responding to you says that he did not like the tone of your email, and I cant imagine you using any kind of hostile language in your email. Would you possibly post or point me to the text of your email?

ETA:

I fear I misread the gentlemans email to you. I thought that he didnt like the tone of your email when it seems he may have been trying to say that he did not like the tone of Ms. Aguilar's report.

slzy

October 19, 2007, 05:11 PM

carrot and stick refers to a carrot suspended by a string just out of the mule grasp,so he continues to move forward,but the carrot cannot be reached no matter how hard or fast he goes. duped hillary supporters are a good moel.

tnieto2004

October 19, 2007, 05:17 PM

E-mail sent

chipperi

October 20, 2007, 09:30 AM

It's back up...Funny that Fox 4 has hundreds of videos on youtube. But only challenge the copyright on the ones that make them look bad.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ivr8LyvdYY

She is currently suspended and hopefully fired.

Working Man

October 20, 2007, 09:53 AM

Tonight at 5:30 should be the Viewer's Voice that deals with this incident and the response to it. I am interested to see what they do.

Did I miss it or did they not air it last night?

Bartholomew Roberts

October 20, 2007, 11:50 AM

Did I miss it or did they not air it last night?

I wasn't able to catch it; but it isn't up on the website either. So I don't know.

First of all, Mr. Walton is the one who told me where he was going to buy his shotgun. Though he didn't want his face on camera, after he showed us the new weapon.... he did want to share his side of the story. He didn't want folks to think he was some kind of criminal. That's why he shared his tears, his remorse, and his side of the story. I also reminded viewers that Mr. Walton did not break any laws, because he was in the right. I'm sorry you took my story the wrong way. You didn't see my story yesterday...when I pointed out that the man Mr. Walton killed had a criminal record involving theft. Rebecca Aguilar Fox 4 News.

(This is in response to an email from the Fox4 DFW blogs - click on the link above for the original source and context)

Kindrox

October 20, 2007, 04:52 PM

Gee they say video adds 10 pounds, and I guess it removes other things. Like on the video Mr. Walton did not appear eager to “share his side of the story” and it did not appear that he expected to see Ms. Aguilar at all.

I don’t think the issue is that Ms. Aguilar accused him of breaking the law. I think the issue is that she all but branded him a premeditated murder who was getting away with it.

Robert Hairless

October 20, 2007, 05:06 PM

Thanks for your feedback.

First of all, Mr. Walton is the one who told me where he was going to buy his shotgun. Though he didn't want his face on camera, after he showed us the new weapon.... he did want to share his side of the story. He didn't want folks to think he was some kind of criminal. That's why he shared his tears, his remorse, and his side of the story. I also reminded viewers that Mr. Walton did not break any laws, because he was in the right. I'm sorry you took my story the wrong way. You didn't see my story yesterday...when I pointed out that the man Mr. Walton killed had a criminal record involving theft. Rebecca Aguilar Fox 4 News.

Little steps forward are better than big steps backward.

orionengnr

October 20, 2007, 05:20 PM

If you can find his address, Im in for $10
The Police took the guy's gun, I'm down for helping him pay off the new one.
Found the Address...
Able Walton Machine & Welding
2007 Chalk Hill Rd
Dallas, TX 75212
Im sending a check today.
Just wrote a check for $20, and am putting it in the mail today.

Also wrote to Fox4 a couple days ago, and got the reply from Steve Eagar.

I will email him back and offer to take him, Rebecca or anyone else at Fox4 to the range at Bass Pro in Grapevine. If I get a positive response, I'll post it here.

Group shoot oopportunity? :)

Flintknapper

October 20, 2007, 07:12 PM

orionengnr
Senior Member

Join Date: 01-03-05
Posts: 1,277 Quote:
If you can find his address, Im in for $10

The Police took the guy's gun, I'm down for helping him pay off the new one.
Found the Address...
Able Walton Machine & Welding
2007 Chalk Hill Rd
Dallas, TX 75212
Im sending a check today.

Just wrote a check for $20, and am putting it in the mail today.

Good on ya! Got several folks over at

http://www.texasshooting.com/TexasCHL_Forum/index.php

to kick in some bucks and write a letter of support and encouragement.

JLStorm

October 20, 2007, 09:49 PM

Perhaps it might be a good idea to make a new thread where people might post their donations? I think it may attract more attention from people interested in donating.

aguyindallas

October 20, 2007, 11:59 PM

For what its worth....to the folks mentioning DFWAcura.com

I work for an Acura dealer. All 4 of the Acura dealers in the DFW area pay $300.00 PER CAR sold to fund our advertising co-op....trust me...we spend a TON of money with Fox4 and others. Think...$300.00 per car and about 400 Acuras a month sold in the DFW area on the average. Thats 120K/month. Of course, its not ALL spent at Fox, but the mast majority is...probably 80-90k/month would be my guess.

I will make my opinions known to our ad agency.

Double Naught Spy

October 21, 2007, 09:15 AM

I think the donations are nice, but Mr. Walton isn't on a fixed income and barely subsisting. He is a fairly successful businessman. He isn't in need of money for a shotgun. I think we have done very well by him via our letters to KDFW. The money might be better donated in his name to a pro 2A charity or charity of his choice.

Kindrox

October 21, 2007, 10:00 AM

aguyindallas,

Do you have a name and physical address at which a well written letter would have more impact?

lanternlad1

October 21, 2007, 10:18 AM

"I think the donations are nice, but Mr. Walton isn't on a fixed income and barely subsisting. He is a fairly successful businessman. He isn't in need of money for a shotgun. I think we have done very well by him via our letters to KDFW. The money might be better donated in his name to a pro 2A charity or charity of his choice."

That's really not the point. We are showing him support in a small, tangible way. Kind of like buying him a beer. Instead of buying him a beer, should we donate the money to Alcoholics Anonymous instead? That would be totally lost on him and won't make him feel any better. If he wants to donate the money, he can make that decision for himself.

XavierBreath

October 21, 2007, 10:45 AM

The video of Rebecca Aguilar's "interview" of James Walton is still available here at Live Leak (http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=088_1192711925).

The posts full of nothing but name calling need to cease. This is a public forum. At The High Road, we strive to present the rational and civil face of gun owners to the world. There are other venues for ad hominem attacks if that is what you desire. Here, let's rise above it.

That's really not the point. We are showing him support in a small, tangible way. Kind of like buying him a beer. Instead of buying him a beer, should we donate the money to Alcoholics Anonymous instead? That would be totally lost on him and won't make him feel any better. If he wants to donate the money, he can make that decision for himself.

YUP!

News Shooter

October 22, 2007, 01:20 PM

Editor's note: In Friday''s edition of ShopTalk, I published several pieces about Rebecca Aguilar, the suspended KDFW reporter. Here's one of the stories from Richard Prince at the Maynard Institute. Late Friday morning, Ivan Roman, NAHJ’s executive director, forwarded to ShopTalk a copy of the letter the NAHJ sent to Kathy Saunders, KDFW's General Manager, asking for Aguilar's reinstatement.

We have learned that KDFW Fox 4 general assignment reporter Rebecca Aguilar was suspended indefinitely Tuesday for aggressive but, in our estimation, professional conduct. NAHJ, a 2,300-member-strong organization, strongly urges you to reinstate Ms. Aguilar immediately for the sake of good journalism and maintaining your newscasts' credibility in the local community and national journalism community.

Hundreds of journalists across the country have seen Ms. Aguilar’s story that aired Monday, October 15 in which she interviewed James Walton, a 70-year-old man who, within three weeks, fatally shot two burglars coming onto his junkyard business, where he also lives, and wounded a third who was standing nearby, all in separate incidents.

What she did was obtain an exclusive interview for your station in a professional manner. This was a far cry from the "ambush" that has been portrayed in the blogosphere:

* She approached Walton at his car as he was coming out of a store where he bought another rifle to replace the one confiscated by police.

* She knew where he would be because he told her where he would be.

* He got in his car and she stood at the car as they had a conversation. The car was never started, he made no attempt to leave and he kept talking to her.

* Though he requested not to have his face shown, his face had already been shown on your station and on others in the area prior to the interview.

* When he decided he didn't want to talk anymore, he said goodbye, she did the same, and they parted ways.

The questions asked were those any reporter would ask to elicit answers from someone. Mr. Walton's response to the question was passionate and eloquent and never would have been obtained had she not asked the question. We note that while she was criticized for asking whether he was "trigger happy," the fact that she asked whether he was in fear for his life goes unmentioned by Ms. Aguilar's critics. That is unfortunate and unfair.

The truth is that Mr. Walton's initial response to Ms. Aguilar's appearance was good natured and humorous, joking about having to use his new shotgun on her. It was not her presence that drove him to tears, but rather the entire situation he found himself in. It's hardly the first time that a subject being interviewed lets his emotions come through and cries on camera, sometimes precisely because he is compelled to tell his side of the story or relishes the chance to do so.

Any reporter should and would question him. It's our job. If someone shoots a burglar as he is climbing through the window of his place of business and home, shoots a second person to death three weeks later under the same circumstances, and in between, shoots and wounds another person standing nearby, wouldn't any reporter or editor want the viewers and readers to see what he has to say about it?

So her suspension certainly mystifies us. The only explanation we can think of is that the news director, Maria Barrs, let herself be unduly influenced by the emails and calls being received at the station from a certain segment of the viewers who apparently have other agendas and not journalism principles as their main concern. The speed and methodical response against the story strikes us as an organized or coordinated campaign and Ms. Barrs apparently succumbed to it.

More importantly, we are mystified that if this was such a great professional infraction that it warrants suspension and supervised removal from the premises, why was no one other than the reporter reprimanded? We understand that the producers, executive producer, photographer, managing editor - no one else who had a hand in assigning, producing or authorizing the piece to go on the air have been suspended or reprimanded in any way.

Ms. Aguilar received the Broadcast Journalist of the Year Award this month from the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, a prestigious honor that recognizes her strong journalism, investigations and advocacy, particularly on the issues of foster care, child abuse and domestic abuse. Her back-to-back Emmy awards for your station and many other awards are a testament to the quality of her work, to her leadership in the Latino community, and to her commitment to journalism that is making a difference. Many in the general Dallas community say so and they are quite aware of this suspension.

The unceremonious and humiliating way Ms. Barrs walked Ms. Aguilar out of the station before the astonished looks of her colleagues on Tuesday adds insult to injury. Even more shocking to us, Ms. Aguilar has received death threats by phone at your station as a result of this story, yet has not received support from her supervisors or management.

The station’s handling of this matter sends the wrong message to journalists throughout the country that news managers will bow to the pressures of segments of the public with special interests instead of standing up for the principles of journalism. Worse yet, it signals that journalists stand alone and without defense by the news media companies they work for when their lives are threatened for doing a job so essential to our society and democracy.

Iván Román, NAHJ’s executive director, tried to reach you and Ms. Barrs Thursday to discuss the situation and express our concern. His calls were not returned. If you’d like to reach him now, respond to this letter or issue a public statement, you may contact him at (202) 662-7178 or at iroman@nahj.org.

We strongly urge you to right this wrong by leaving Ms. Aguilar’s suspension without effect and reinstating her immediately.

Sincerely,

Rafael Olmeda
NAHJ President

cc: Maria Barrs, News

Kindrox

October 22, 2007, 01:30 PM

If we don't all go after the advertizers, in two weeks it will be as if it never happened.

ClickClickD'oh

October 22, 2007, 01:31 PM

...So her suspension certainly mystifies us.

And thus, a ringing endorsment on exactly why the main stream media has slipped from the highly respected position it held in decades past and now resides in the gutter with congress.

seeker_two

October 22, 2007, 04:30 PM

We have learned that KDFW Fox 4 general assignment reporter Rebecca Aguilar was suspended indefinitely Tuesday for aggressive but, in our estimation, professional conduct. NAHJ, a 2,300-member-strong organization, strongly urges you to reinstate Ms. Aguilar immediately for the sake of good journalism and maintaining your newscasts' credibility in the local community and national journalism community.

From the article:She in turn told him, "You know I'm a reporter. I may catch up to you." ***? That's plain and simple intimidation. 100% unacceptable.

But this... this just takes the cake...
Earlier that same traumatic day, Aguilar says she picked up her newsroom phone to hear a man tell her, "I'm a gun owner. And if I ever find you, I'd like to shoot you in the head."

The same man, she believes, also had called shortly after the story aired the previous night.

"So I reported it to my bosses first, and nothing was done about it," she says. "Nothing was done about my protection. My suspension was a priority over my safety."

Rebecca gets the tables flipped on her and she still doesn't see what she's done wrong... :banghead: Rebecca, you made the story the priority over Mr. Waltons safety and wellbeing. Check yourself Rebecca.

Bartholomew Roberts

October 24, 2007, 03:59 PM

I'm amazed at the number of journalists that think that interview was good reporting. Clearly these guys are facing a big disconnect from their audience.

On the other side of that equation, notice how every nasty email and remark made about this on the Internet was quoted in that article to make Ms. Aguilar look more sympathetic and victim-like. Just a reminder that you are always representing a larger community when you write these things and the easiest way to get your complaint written off is to make some of the intemperate and nasty remarks they cited in that article - especially the death threats thing which has been played up by every single piece favoring Ms. Aguilar.

K3

October 24, 2007, 04:59 PM

I still question the validity of her claims of death threats. Just because she says it doesn't make it so. I have to believe she is lying about them until proof is provided.

benEzra

October 24, 2007, 05:08 PM

Earlier that same traumatic day, Aguilar says she picked up her newsroom phone to hear a man tell her, "I'm a gun owner. And if I ever find you, I'd like to shoot you in the head."
Probably an anti...

seeker_two

October 24, 2007, 05:32 PM

Just a reminder that you are always representing a larger community when you write these things....

+1 Bart.... :cool:

Interesting photo on that article....she's in full war-orphan-pity-me mode... :rolleyes:

FYI...Ed Bark is an entertainment critic/"reporter" in the DFW area. His credibility is even worse than hers.... :o

"I don't know if I'll survive without a blemish," she says. "Every time you Google my name now it's like 'Aguilar, suspension or ambush.' Before it was 'Aguilar, award-winner.' It's changed in a week."

....Google....the new meter for character and morality?.... :scrutiny:

You've got to read some of the comments on the Uncle Barky link (http://unclebarky.com/dfw_files/e9bfc784e8c01c088685ff5dd4fb79a6-400.html)... like this one from "Pam"

Hello !!! It's over,get over it, get on with it. She did nothing wrong. Yes, she was a little aggressive, It is what it is.

or "TruthTeller"

Rebecca was fair and she asked the tough questions that needed to be asked. The guy killed two people in two weeks. It doesn't matter how old he is or if his actions were legal. A rational person wants to know if there's more to the story, and luckily Rebecca wasn't afraid to ask.

or "peeping Thomist"

You people who are outraged over this are nuts. A perfectly normal story, asking him the questions I wanted asked, and asking them in a respectful way. This is what reporters do.

I suspected it before, but now that I've seen the report I'm really starting to think that Fox must have had some other reason for firing her and they are just using this as a pretext. Yes, there is a fringe element that found her report offensive

It sounds to me like some of these guys don't grasp that what they consider acceptable is not the norm for behavior.

Robert Hairless

October 25, 2007, 04:33 AM

Originally Posted by Rebecca Aguilar
"I don't know if I'll survive without a blemish," she says. "Every time you Google my name now it's like 'Aguilar, suspension or ambush.' Before it was 'Aguilar, award-winner.' It's changed in a week."

That's truly awful, Ms. Aguilar! There's indeed something wrong when this country's freedoms are employed for the purpose of destroying another person's reputation.

You should report Google to the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and have Rafael Olmeda, the NAHJ President, write one of his strong letters of protest.

We need to stop this flagrant abuse of you. No one has picked on any other reporter for ambushing that old man who exercised his right of self defense under Texas law and was cleared by the police who investigated.

A Google search doesn't show any name but "Rebecca Aguilar" as having done such a thing, which is clear evidence that you are the victim of discrimination.

Of course no other reporter did do any of those things to that seventy-year-old man, but that's not the point! We shouldn't let the facts, the law, or those darned cops get in your way. You're special, and people ought to feel sorry for you and stop ruining your reputation by objecting to what you did. They have no right to do it.

El Tejon

October 25, 2007, 07:40 AM

She defamed, and perhaps confined and assaulted an elderly man, and yet she is somehow the "victim"?:confused:

This is the bare, naked face of media conceit. Let us all watch and learn.

40SW

October 25, 2007, 08:54 AM

I usually reserve hope for antis in that anyone can be rehabilitated if shown their actions were wrong with factual data and logic. ,but her arrogance is too grandiose and she actually is dillusional enough to think that her actions were the result of noble journalism. I don't believe there is hope for her in ever seeing the light. Its a shame. Its like talking to a brick wall and running against the wind of a hurricane.
I'm truly an idealist when it comes to pro RKBA evangilism, but I don't believe that there is hope for her and her ilk, especially since now the race card is being played and she is being portrayed as the victim. Truly sad.

Robert Hairless

October 25, 2007, 11:19 AM

I don't remember if anyone has pointed out some of the background to what Rebecca Aguilar did to seventy-year-old James Walton by ambushing him for resisting several invasions of his property. Keep in mind that Walton's lives above his office on the junkyard and that the property has a chainlink fence around it to keep out intruders.

With that in mind, it's useful to know that on March 27, 2007, Governor Perry signed into law a bill expanding the castle doctrine rights of Texans. What James Walton did was legal in Texas and his actions passed police investigation. Here's a Dallas Morning News report of the signing. The law is irrelevant to Rebecca Aguilar and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, of course, and everyone who disagrees is a rascist. All journalists are special but Hispanic Journalists are more special.

Perry signs 'castle doctrine' bill

06:51 PM CDT on Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Associated Press

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry signed into law Tuesday a bill that gives Texans a stronger legal right to defend themselves with deadly force in their homes, cars and workplaces.

Both chambers of the Legislature overwhelmingly approved the measure earlier this month. The bill, backed by the National Rifle Association, states that a person has no duty to retreat from an intruder before using deadly force.

"The right to defend oneself from an imminent act of harm should not only be clearly defined in Texas law, but it is intuitive to human nature. You ought to be able to protect yourself," Perry said, surrounded by lawmakers who pushed for the law.

This is the first bill-signing this legislative session by the Republican governor. The law takes effect Sept. 1.

"This is reasonable legislation," Perry said.

The building or vehicle must be occupied at the time for the deadly force provision to apply, and the person using force cannot provoke the attacker or be involved in criminal activity at the time.

Some refer to the measure as the "castle doctrine," drawing from the idea that a man's home is his castle and that he should have the right to defend it.

Fifteen other states have passed similar laws. Texas is the first state to pass such a law this year, said Rep. Joe Driver, a Garland Republican who sponsored the measure.

Sen. Jeff Wentworth, a San Antonio Republican who pressed the issue in his chamber, said the law changes previous Texas law that in some cases requires a person to retreat from an intruder.

The new law will also provide civil immunity for a person who lawfully uses deadly force in any of the circumstances spelled out in the bill. Police and prosecutors can still press charges if they feel deadly force was illegally used, legislative sponsors said.

Bartholomew Roberts

October 25, 2007, 11:51 AM

Well, I have to admit I was wrong earlier about reaching out. After reading comments from some of the local media in the Uncle Barky thread and the Dallas Observer, I am just amazed at the arrogance and the disconnect from their viewers. Reaching out would have been pointless because these guys think that behavior is A-OK. They are still puzzled why it caused such an uproar. They think it must be someone's secret agenda at work because they can't fathom why people would find it offensive for a reporter to ask an elderly crime victim "provocative" questions.

El Tejon's assessment is dead-on.

TEDDY

October 26, 2007, 04:36 PM

MR. ROBERTS:you saw the light.thru 6 pages you finaly saw the light.
I'v been around a long time 83 yr.the socialists agender is like religion to them.
then theres the idiots that follow.:uhoh::fire::banghead::cuss::):)

Manan

October 27, 2007, 05:04 PM

Email sent today. With just the right amount of indignant professional scorn

denfoote

October 27, 2007, 05:30 PM

E-mail sent demanding that Fox4 lose it's affiliation.

It's time the antis feel the harsh reality of our wrath!!

JasonblkZ06

October 29, 2007, 03:28 PM

Fox4 reportedly suspends three more 10/26/07 04:26 PM Reliable sources say
that Fox4 has suspended three off-camera staffers in connection with the
exhaustively debated Rebecca Aguilar interview that still has the veteran
reporter on indefinite suspension.

The station has suspended a managing editor, editor and the story's
photographer, reportedly for two days each. Aguilar was suspended on Oct.
16th in connected with her controversial parking lot interview of
70-year-old property defender James Walton, who had just bought a new
shotgun after killing two would-be burglars in three weeks time at his West
Dallas salvage business.

A call to Fox4 general manager Kathy Saunders' office was not immediately
returned Friday afternoon. Saunders was said to be having a meeting in her
office. This dispatch wasn't posted until an hour after the call was
placed.

Its working. Rebecca Aguilar and other "reporters" will think twice before trying to pull this kind of crap again. Can you say "Zumbo'd"?

I knew you could.

Stover954rr

October 30, 2007, 10:46 AM

Please excuse the typo's as I was rushing to write it and my spell check is down.

My Letter:

Hello,
I am taking the time to write you because I have just seen the interview of Able Walton, by Rebecca Aguilar. I am very concerned that the personal bias and attack on Mr. Walton by Aguilar is common practice by Fox. Surely your station wont condone such negative and agressive attacks on law bidding citizens? I hope that Ms. Aguilar does not go unpunished for this attrosity. Her effort to put a negative twist on a story that could have had a much more negative outcome: ie: robbers steal everything, a honest lawbidding citizen is harmed, and they go unpunished. is dishonest and should not be tolerated.
Sincerely
Russell Koster

Odd Job

October 30, 2007, 11:27 AM

Sorry to be a Johnny-come-lately but is there a working link to the interview? (I have checked ALL the links in the preceding posts and all are yanked).
If I see the video, maybe I can give that news station a comment from across the pond.

seeker_two

October 30, 2007, 03:05 PM

Oddly enough, Fox4 has been pretty successful in stamping out all copies of this "interview" from the Web with the threat of legal action.

Kinda shows their respect for the First Amendment, too.... :scrutiny:

Bartholomew Roberts

October 30, 2007, 05:03 PM

Sorry to be a Johnny-come-lately but is there a working link to the interview? (I have checked ALL the links in the preceding posts and all are yanked).

Try this link: http://www.breitbart.tv/?p=6905

It is interspersed with "media ethics" commentary so that they can claim "fair use" doctrine and avoid Fox lawyers; but it does show most of the interview.

Odd Job

October 30, 2007, 06:47 PM

Thanks All
(I got some PMs too)

Bartholomew Roberts

December 19, 2010, 02:50 AM

Update: Ms. Aguilar was subsequently fired from KDFW. She sued the station for discrimination (which is ironic since it has both more minority reporters than any other local station and the only local minority news director). Jurors in Dallas recently heard six days of testimony on this case and returned a unanimous verdict in one hour against Ms. Aguilar. No award for her and she will be paying KDFW's attorneys fees.

In comments to the press afterwards, Ms. Aguilar blamed the verdict on an insufficient number of minorities on the jury.

AL Ranger

December 19, 2010, 08:56 AM

Actions have consequences! Maybe she has learned that lesson...or maybe not! It's difficult to leave your personal biases home when your job is to report the news, but she chose that line of work! I'm sure one of the more liberal news outlets would appreciate having her on their staff.

Double Naught Spy

December 19, 2010, 09:20 AM

In comments to the press afterwards, Ms. Aguilar blamed the verdict on an insufficient number of minorities on the jury.

People tend to want to blame anyone but themselves. Having more minorities on the jury would not have mattered. It was a very quick unanimous decision.

The station did her no wrong. After the incident, they put on her paid leave until her contract ran out and simply opted not to renew the contract.

alsaqr

December 22, 2010, 08:29 PM

A biased news reporter was fired for conducting an interview that amounted to an attack on a old man who killed a human predator. The reporter claimed illegal termination: She sued and lost, end of story.

dec41971

December 22, 2010, 09:31 PM

People tend to want to blame anyone but themselves. Having more minorities on the jury would not have mattered. It was a very quick unanimous decision.

The station did her no wrong. After the incident, they put on her paid leave until her contract ran out and simply opted not to renew the contract.
I don't see any minority angle in this case. It wouldn't have mattered if the jury was all minority, verdict would have been the same. Miss Aguilar is an individual good or bad, her character does not in any way define her minority group. Its very hard if not impossible to find any group minority or not, who would show much sympathy for a predator and tolerate harassing the victim after the fact. Most of the time yopu get controversial taking of sides, its plainly because there were gray facts in an incident, and someone's identity may then affect their views, but that also cuts both ways. Glad justice was served in this case.

Now quit bringing dead threads back to life! :evil:

Deltaboy

December 22, 2010, 10:17 PM

She tryed to be a Big Shot Get'em Reporter and it bit her in the Rear!:D

Double Naught Spy

December 23, 2010, 12:18 PM

I don't see any minority angle in this case.

I am not sure I follow your point or why you quoted me, but you did state a lot of what I said.

Simply put, whily you may not have seen a minority angle to this case, Ms. Aguilar absolutely did and blamed her loss on a lack of minorities in the jury.

She tryed to be a Big Shot Get'em Reporter and it bit her in the Rear!

Actually, she was something of a local Big Shot reporter. She had a very good career with a strong following and had numerous awards for her work.

rbernie

December 23, 2010, 09:50 PM

Now that it's about nothing other than the status of the reporter, it's no longer on topic.

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